What to do when you don't understand the local language?

What to do when you don't understand the local language?

What to do when you don't understand the local languageGoing to exotic destinations is the wish of many travelers. However, not understanding the local language can quickly become a barrier between you and the population and constitute a handicap preventing you from fully appreciating the country visited. Here are a few tips to help you break through this wall of misunderstanding and thus make your stay easier.

 

 English is not the best solution

 

Unless you only choose French-speaking destinations or are multilingual, you will have to communicate with the population in a language that you know little or nothing at all. English will be useful if you are going to the United States , the United Kingdom or another English-speaking country.

 

However, in many parts of the world, English will not be of any use to you, especially outside major cities. The language of Shakespeare is not your native language nor that of the local population who often have a poor command of it, especially in Latin American countries. You will hardly be able to hold a conversation in English with a native of the area to inquire about a direction, a local custom or to know the virtues of a plant. In addition, the fact of trying to dialogue in English can be badly perceived and appear as a lack of will on your part to adapt to the culture of the country.

 

Tips for communicating without being a polyglot

 

Not understanding the local language should not be an obstacle to your desire to escape and your desire for exoticism. Before leaving, take the trouble to learn the basics of the language of your destination country. Knowing how to say “hello”, “thank you”, “goodbye”, “how much does it cost”, “yes”, “no”, is already a good start for communicating with the population. If you can also know a few numbers and polite formulas, then you have a good capital of confidence that you will simply have to grow.

 

The ideal would be to be able to memorize a few short sentences adapted to basic situations. Try as much as possible to go to the essentials and make sure that your interlocutor has understood what you are asking him. Similarly, rephrase the answer you get to make sure you understand. If necessary, act out the situation or the object you are requesting. For example, at the restaurant, if the menu is written in the local dialect, do the mooing of the cow if you want to order a steak or the gesture of the fisherman if you want a fish. It will certainly amuse the waiter and create a good atmosphere around you.

 

Some smartphone travel apps also allow you to translate words or phrases. However, the translation might not be perfect. Either way, you can always use your hands or draw a picture to make yourself understood. There are also pictograms, universally known, that you can show to your interlocutor. Finally, take a small calculator with you to make it easier to discuss prices.

 

Be open-minded and don't be in a hurry

 

Far from being an obstacle that limits exchanges between the traveler and the local population, the difference in languages ​​can be resolved in different ways. Beyond the words, your interlocutor will appreciate your efforts if you try to express yourself in their native language. Even if you make a mistake, he won't hold it against you. On the contrary, this funny situation can sometimes break the ice and can end in a laugh if you say something incongruous in the local language.

 

Go all out with body language, which will likely entertain your listener while helping them understand your message. Your attitude as well as your openness to the culture of the country can certainly help you to attract the sympathy of the inhabitants.

 

As much as the discovery of new landscapes, travel is also an opportunity to open up to a culture that is still totally unknown to you. Not speaking the local language should not be an obstacle as there are many ways to communicate.